Trade Minister Greg Hands quits position over Heathrow expansion

A Government minister has quit his position over plans for the expansion of Heathrow Airport.

International Trade Minister Greg Hands said he was standing down after it was made clear that Tory MPs would not have a free vote in Monday's Commons debate.

"As the Government will be whipping the vote on Monday, this means I am resigning from the Government," he wrote on Twitter.

"It has been an honour to serve the Prime Minister (and her predecessor) for the last 7 years and I wish the PM & the Government every continuing success."

The MP for Chelsea and Fulham said he had written to Theresa May explaining that he intended to honour a pledge to his constituents at last year's general election to vote against a third runway at Heathrow.